California Academy of Sciences

California Academy of Sciences which includes interior views and coral as well as a large group of people
Attracting over a million visitors every year, this academy is one of the world’s most respected scientific institutions.

Opened in 1853, the California Academy of Science includes a planetarium, an aquarium and one of the world’s largest natural history museums.

As well as being a popular attraction with the public, the academy is home to a world-class team of botanists, geologists and anthropologists who all work behind the scenes in the name of human scientific research. The academy was completely rebuilt in 2008 and now one of the city’s top attractions.

The Steinhart Aquarium is home to some 38,000 live species from all over the world, contained within a four-storey dome that has been developed to replicate the climate and biological diversity of the rainforest. There is everything here from sharks and stingrays to African penguins.

Head on over to the state-of-the-art Morrison Planetarium to see the universe in all its glory, before moving on to the Kimball Natural History Museum. The Museum has exhibits that delve into all four corners of the earth, and explores evolution from prehistoric times right up to the present day.

Check the academy’s website for a schedule of the behind-the-scenes tours that take place daily around the aquarium and the rest of the academy. The friendly and helpful guides will really help you to appreciate and understand the incredible amount of information on display. The Academy Café and the Moss Room serve up delicious meals to help you recharge your batteries after all that learning!

Located in the Golden Gate Park, you can reach the California Academy of Sciences by public transport, shuttle services, car or bicycle. If you drive, remember that the parking fills up quickly during weekends and holidays. The academy is open every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Popular places to visit


Top California Academy of Sciences Hotel Deals

Casa Loma Hotel
Casa Loma Hotel
2 out of 5
610 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA
Casa Loma Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Stanyan Park Hotel
Stanyan Park Hotel
3 out of 5
750 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA
Stanyan Park Hotel
Geary Parkway Motel
Geary Parkway Motel
2 out of 5
4750 Geary Blvd, Richmond District, San Francisco, CA
Geary Parkway Motel
The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt
The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt
3 out of 5
444 Presidio Ave, San Francisco, CA
The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt
Becks Motor Lodge
Becks Motor Lodge
3 out of 5
2222 Market Street, San Francisco, CA
Becks Motor Lodge
Chateau Tivoli B&B
Chateau Tivoli B&B
3 out of 5
1057 Steiner Street, San Francisco, CA
Chateau Tivoli B&B
Hotel Drisco
Hotel Drisco
5 out of 5
2901 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Drisco
Hotel Kabuki, part of JdV by Hyatt
Hotel Kabuki, part of JdV by Hyatt
4 out of 5
1625 Post St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Kabuki, part of JdV by Hyatt
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.